Kamloops, BC—The City of Kamloops has been recognized as one of Canada's most inclusive employers, receiving an inaugural National Inclusion in Action Employer Award from the Immigrant Employment Councils of Canada and New Canadians TV. 

Announced on June 22, 2026, the award recognizes Canadian employers that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive workplaces and supporting career pathways for newcomers. The City of Kamloops was one of only three organizations recognized nationally and the only government organization to receive the honour. 

"As public servants and as local government, it's important for us to reflect our community, and the best way for us to do that is to have a diverse workforce that reflects the people who work, play, and live here," said Kristina Rios, the City’s Human Resources Manager. "This recognition is particularly meaningful because it comes from newcomers themselves. It reflects the ongoing efforts of our staff and leaders to create a workplace where people feel welcomed, valued, and supported to succeed."

The award highlights the City's ongoing efforts to remove barriers to employment, foster inclusion, and support employees from diverse backgrounds. In recent years, the City's Human Resources team has reviewed and refined recruitment practices to focus on skills, experience, and potential.

"When hiring, we ask questions that give candidates the opportunity to walk us through their work and experience in a way that highlights their impact, problem-solving abilities, and technical or professional skills," said Manager Rios. "We focus on what a person can do and the context of their experience, not where that experience was gained."

The City's inclusion initiatives include professional development opportunities, cultural awareness and learning events, sharing circles that create space for connection and learning, and partnerships with community organizations that support newcomers entering the workforce.

Examples of these initiatives include: 

• cultural learning and awareness events recognizing celebrations such as Nowruz, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Diwali 
• participation in the Kamloops Immigrant Society's SheLeads mentorship program "meet the employer" sessions and workforce development workshops with the Kamloops Immigrant Society
• human resources industry nights and career discussions with students and international students at Thompson Rivers University 
• support for employees pursuing permanent residency, including assistance with employment documentation where possible 

The City's commitment to inclusion has also been strengthened by establishing a permanent Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor position within Human Resources. Originally introduced as a pilot initiative in 2022, the role has become integral to advancing inclusive workplace practices across the organization.

"A lot of this work has been about continuous learning and unlearning," said Manager Rios. "We've challenged some of our longstanding assumptions and made inclusion training and awareness a regular part of how we work. Creating a more inclusive workplace isn't a one-time project—it's an ongoing commitment."

As one of Canada's fastest-growing urban communities, Kamloops continues to welcome new residents from across the country and around the world. With a population of more than 100,000, the city is becoming increasingly diverse, bringing new perspectives, experiences, and talents that strengthen the community.

The National Inclusion in Action Employer Award was created to recognize employers who actively remove barriers, create meaningful opportunities, and help internationally trained professionals succeed in the Canadian workforce. Nominations were submitted directly by newcomers working in Canadian workplaces, recognizing employers that made a positive impact on their employment experience.

About the Immigrant Employment Councils of Canada 
The National Network of Immigrant Employment Councils is a collaborative body that builds effective partnerships and solutions to improve labour market outcomes for immigrants and strengthen Canada's economy. The Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia serves as the network's local partner in British Columbia.